Just want to echo everyone else - file immediately! Washington ESD is pretty strict about not backdating claims. I work in HR and see people make this mistake all the time.

Great to hear you got it filed! Just a heads up - remember to do your weekly claims every Sunday starting this week. Even if you haven't found work yet, you still need to certify that you're unemployed and actively looking. Missing a weekly claim can mess up your benefits flow. Good luck with the job search!

Just want to add that if your severance includes things like unused vacation pay or bonuses, those might be treated differently than regular severance. Make sure you understand what's included in your package.

The bottom line is yes, you can collect both, but the severance will likely reduce your unemployment benefits. The exact amount depends on your weekly benefit rate and how much severance you receive each week. Just be honest and accurate in your reporting.

Just remember that even if you meet the wage requirements, you still need to meet all the other eligibility criteria - like being unemployed through no fault of your own, being able and available for work, and actively seeking work. The work history is just one piece of the puzzle.

Based on what everyone's shared here, it sounds like your 8 months of work should put you in a good position to qualify, especially since it likely spans multiple quarters. The key thing I'm taking away is that Washington looks at your earnings across different quarters rather than just continuous employment time. Since you mentioned having other jobs before your current one, those wages might also count toward your base period requirements if they fall within the right timeframe. If you're still unsure about your specific situation, it might be worth gathering your pay stubs from all your jobs over the past year or so to get a clearer picture of your quarterly earnings before you need to file.

lol found it in your car floorboard? I once found my jury duty summons in my dogs toy basket 3 months late. thought for sure id get arrested but nothing ever happened 🤷‍♀️

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through to ESD and reschedule your appointment? Your payments might be on hold until you complete the interview, but they should resume (including any missed weeks) once you satisfy the requirement. Let us know how it turned out!

One more thing to consider: When you file your new claim, ESD will use your base year earnings to determine eligibility. Depending on when you worked before your surgery and how long you've been on medical leave, make sure you have enough qualifying wages in your base year. The base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. If your paid medical leave counts as wages (some does, some doesn't depending on the program), this may actually help your claim.

I went through something similar after my knee replacement surgery last year. The key thing that helped me was being very clear in my new application about the timeline and how my circumstances had completely changed. I included a brief timeline in the "additional information" section: denied X date due to upcoming surgery, surgery completed on Y date, medical clearance received Z date, now actively seeking work. Also, make sure you keep all your job search documentation organized from day one - I used a simple spreadsheet with company name, position, date applied, and method (online, email, etc.). ESD loves detailed records and it shows you're serious about finding work. One tip: when you do your weekly certifications, there's often a question about whether anything has changed in your ability to work. This is where you can reference your medical clearance if needed. Good luck with your recovery and the new claim!